Looking ahead

2009 recruit Ethan Werek suited up last night for his first regular season game with the Junior A Stouffville Spirit (OPJHL) and produced his first goal. The 6-2 center, who continues to be pursued by the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL), the team that holds his Major Junior rights, had been injured during the Spirit’s exhibition season. Last season, he scored 59 regular season goals in 55 games for the Toronto Marlies AAA and another seven in the playoffs. Werek’s father is the co-owner of the Stouffville club. This past May, when Werek committed to BU, we reported:

Werek’s line for the Marlies was 59-69-128 in 55 games. He also was the leading scorer during the recent OHL Showcase Tournament with 7 goals and 8 assists in 7 games. Werek was the recipient of the Marlies organization’s BuckHoule Award, presented annually in recognition of outstanding on ice preformance, leadership and loyalty, in the Minor Bantam through Midget age groups. Canadian Hockey News named him as one of top 13 91s eligible for the OHL draft. The OHL
Draft Guide profile of Werek says he “is an offensive minded forward who has steadily improved his game since the start of the season. He has a very smooth, quick and efficient stride, has size and possesses very good puck skills. He reads and supports the play very effectively. He is always moving his feet and when he doesn’t have possession he pursues the puck relentlessly.”

Werek's teammate, 2008 recruit Corey Trivino, a 6-1 center, recorded his sixth assist—and seventh point—of the season in last night’s game. After filling up the nets for the Spirit in preseason, the 2006-07 OPJHL Northern Division rookie of the year, has just one goal in eight games.

Further West, 2008 goalie recruit Kieran Millan has a 3-3-1 record for the AJHL Spruce Grove Saints. Invited to the league all-star game as a rookie last season, Millan’s GAA is 3.54 after the Saint played several high-scoring games.